Like most websites Airliner World uses cookies. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on Airliner World website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookie settings at any time. Find out more

Photo: Saratov Airlines said it will cease operations on May 30. (Fyodor Borisov/Transport-Photo Images)

Saratov Airlines revealed it will suspend all services at the end of May after the Russian aviation authority said it intended to revoke the carrier’s Air Operator Certificate. The troubled airline, which is currently flying under a temporary licence, has been instructed by Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsia, “not to book and issue tickets” – on its own or on behalf of tour operators – for flights after May 30.

The action comes barely three months after the fatal loss of Saratov-operated Antonov An-148 RA-61704 (c/n 27015040004) shortly after take-off from Moscow/Domodedovo in February. The subsequent investigation led the Rosaviatsia to ground the airline’s remaining fleet of An-148s while the authority previously limited the validity of its AOC, initially to April 27 and then to May 30, while the airline worked to address shortcomings in its operation.

Responding to the withdrawal of its AOC, Saratov said it has “taken all measures” to correct the issues uncovered by the inspections, noting Rosaviatsia’s decision has “condemned to death one of the oldest airlines in Russia”. It added: “The airline considers the resolution to be a cancellation of its AOC. Respectively, the management of Saratov Airlines has made the decision to suspend operations and is forced to lay off its staff of 1,200 highly qualified specialists from July 18.”

Current Issue

February 2019In the February edition of Airliner World we travel to Larnaca in Cyprus to join the final commercial flight for the British Airways Boeing 767 fleet. The widebody has been a workhorse of the British flag carrier for decades, with a fascinating history spanning far-flung royal charters to more modest domestic operations. As we close one chapter of modern aviation, another begins as we visit Airbus headquarters in Toulouse to find out more about their A330neo project. We speak to key players involved in the project and determine what the future holds for the crowded - but highly lucrative - mid-market sector.
Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Gulf Air CEO Krešimir Ku&#269;ko, as the Bahraini national airline transforms not only its fleet but its wider strategy as it adopts a new boutique concept. Continuing our globetrotting this month, we profile Osaka’s Itami Airport, which is carving a niche as the city’s premier domestic gateway and visit Canada’s Northwest Territories to learn more about the classic ‘piston-pounders’ of Buffalo Airways. As part of our ongoing historical insights, we remember the Lockheed Electra L-188, an elegant, four-engine turboprop which raised the bar for performance, range and luxury until critical design flaws destroyed public confidence and forced the programme to a premature close.
Finally, we bring you our comprehensive coverage of worldwide news, including a full report from the Bahrain International Airshow, plus Cathay Pacific roster their A350-1000 to Manchester, ANA receive their first superjumbo, a first look at WestJet’s new Dreamliner, and Air Astana unveil their Embraer E2 in a striking snow leopard livery. We also have our regular sections covering the latest commercial aircraft acquisitions, up-to-date accident reports and developments from the world of aviation training and MROs and we give you the chance to win aviation DVDs worth over £200 in our reader competition.